Business Development Advisor

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

2d•CA$82,168 - CA$107,710•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations serves as a central point for the Government of Alberta to foster and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and organizations. The ministry fulfills Alberta’s legal duty to consult and works in coordination with other ministries, the federal government, and First Nations on land-related claims and collaborative initiatives. The Business Development Advisor is responsible for supporting the administration and overall direction of the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) program that helps Indigenous community-owned businesses capitalize on economic development opportunities to improve socio-economic outcomes. They will also support the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative - Economic Stream (IRI-ES) to help strengthen economic outcomes by funding Indigenous-led capacity and opportunity development projects.

Requirements

University degree in a related field (e.g., Economics, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Public Policy, Business, Political Science, Social Sciences, or related field); with a minimum of four (4) years of related experience; or equivalent.
Strong stakeholder-relations and relationship-building experience.
Demonstrated experience in managing, reviewing, and processing grant applications, including knowledge of funding criteria and compliance requirements.
Financial Reporting: Demonstrates a basic ability to interpret and review financial reports and budgets related to project funding and expenditures.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including planning, execution, and monitoring project progress and outcome.
Policy Development: Prior experience in developing or reviewing policies and procedures related to grant programs or community development.

Nice To Haves

Economic development experience is considered a strong asset, particularly in supporting community based initiatives, partnership development, and funding opportunities.
Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or partners is considered a strong asset, particularly in supporting culturally informed engagement and relationship building.
Experience working with Crown corporations or entities governed by APAGA is considered an asset, particularly in navigating governance, compliance, and public sector processes.

Responsibilities

Reviewing and evaluating applications and recommending projects for funding.
Supporting the Manager, Economic Development with the preparation of materials and briefings associated with the governance of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) as per the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA).
Ad hoc duties related to the AIOC operation and addressing any inquiries that come from AIOC staff, other Ministries or stakeholders.
Development of Orders in Council and Ministerial Orders.
Review of processes and procedures to ensure administrative planning, budgeting, compliance and analysis functions meet Government of Alberta (GoA) legislation and policies.
Communication with external stakeholders regarding the AIOC.
Implements grant programs that will provide funding for the capitalization of community-owned businesses.
Negotiates, develops and manages grants and other agreements, ensuring compliance with various policies, acts and regulations.
Evaluates business development projects and provides recommendations for funding.
Develops and implements an evaluation framework for the programs, ensuring indicators for grant programs are tracked, supporting grant recipients to provide evaluation reporting annually.
Evaluates program process successes and challenges post-grants and utilize this information to identify program improvements to processes or support.
Provide advisory supports for Indigenous communities that enable them to secure opportunities for business development.
Provides technical assistance and serves as an advocate for businesses and communities to identify and resolve economic development impediments.
Develops community economic development profiles and/or other information to assist businesses and communities in assessing socio-economic data for growth project decisions and facilitate better understanding by government of their economic development situation.
Establishes and maintains positive relations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders to enhance collaboration on strategic initiatives and programs that will improve economic outcomes for Indigenous people.
Researches and analyses to inform responses and future strategies, and to support the engagement of Indigenous communities in economic development initiatives.
Support and/or lead initiatives that focus on economic development outcomes for Indigenous people and communities.
Participates on cross-ministry initiatives to present Indigenous perspectives and reflect division priorities, ensuring that Government policies, programs and services are informed, aligned and capable of responding to the needs of Indigenous people and communities.
Builds strong relationships within a young, dynamic team by leveraging effective communication and interpersonal skills.